Browns' Harrison Could See Workload Increase In 2009

The Cleveland Browns’ coaching staff is finally seeing what fans have been pleading for over the past three years...more touches for running back Jerome Harrison.

Browns head coach Eric Mangini coached a running back in New York by the name of Leon Washington, and he sees similarities in both players’ abilities.

Mangini told the Cleveland Plain Dealer, “I think Jerome has had an outstanding group of OTA’s [organized team activities] and camps,” Mangini said. “His ability to pick up the protections and run routes out of the backfield, he reminds me a lot of Leon.”

One of the reasons Harrison has been getting extra reps in practice is because Jamal Lewis is still rehabilitating from off-season ankle surgery. The other running backs on the roster are free agent-pickup Noah Herron and rookie James Davis.

Herron has been in the league one more year than Harrison (Herron was drafted in 2005 by the Pittsburgh Steelers), but is really not considered to be a “feature back.”

Davis received increased reps in OTA’s and mini-camps as a result of Lewis’ absence as well and reportedly has impressed the coaches.

Many fans were puzzled as to why former head coach Romeo Crennel left Harrison off the game day roster numerous times during his tenure. One of the reasons was because Harrison was a liability in blitz pickup, something that former running back Jason Wright excelled in. The other reason was due to Harrison’s inability to play well on special teams which hurt his chances of seeing action on Sundays.

The 2009 season will be Lewis' 10th in the league, but is determined to be ready by opening day.

He told the Tribune Today, "I'm doing enough in individuals [drills] and in the classroom. All the plays are the same. The only thing different is that the name [of the play] changes sometimes. Being in the NFL for 10 years, pretty much everything we're putting in I've seen before."

Under the Browns’ new regime, Harrison has made the most of his opportunity and is making a positive impression on the coaching staff. Harrison’s 2008 season highlight was probably his 72-yard touchdown run against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. He averaged 7.2 yards on 34 carries last season.

Harrison appreciates the comparisons to Washington, but knows he can’t let it get to his head.

“Leon’s a good running back,” Harrison said. “I watched him all through college and the NFL and he’s good. So getting compared to Leon, I take that as a compliment.

“You know me, I’m just going to keep working, if the opportunity presents itself I’ll be ready.”

After three years of petitioning for more touches for Harrison, it looks like Browns fans will finally get their wish.